AI Aids Wildlife Conservation: Monitoring Endangered Species with Acoustic Technology
Image Credit: Alexander Schimmeck | Splash
Artificial intelligence is reshaping how scientists study endangered species, providing new tools to protect biodiversity while raising considerations for communities worldwide. From Costa Rica’s rainforests to Colombia’s jungles, AI is helping researchers monitor animals like Geoffrey’s spider monkeys, jaguars, and baleen whales. These initiatives, supported by recent studies and projects, demonstrate AI’s role in conservation and its relevance to public life.
Monitoring Spider Monkeys in Costa Rica
In 2021, biologist Jenna Lawson conducted a large-scale acoustic study on Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula to track the endangered Geoffrey’s spider monkey. She installed 350 audio monitors to capture forest sounds for a week, generating extensive data. AI systems, trained to identify the monkeys’ calls, analyzed the recordings to map their movements without human presence. Published in March 2023 by the Royal Society of London, Lawson’s study found that spider monkeys avoided areas near paved roads, palm oil plantations, and teak farms, suggesting that wildlife corridors around Corcovado National Park were not functioning as intended.
The AI approach enabled Lawson to cover a wide area efficiently while reducing disturbance to the monkeys, known for their sensitivity to humans. She shared her findings with local officials to refine conservation plans, aiming to strengthen protections in this ecotourism hub.
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Microsoft’s Sparrow Project
In October 2024, Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab introduced Sparrow—Solar-Powered Acoustic and Remote Recording Observation Watch. These solar-powered devices, using energy-efficient AI chips, can operate for years in remote locations, sending data via low-Earth orbit satellites. Sparrow’s initial trial is set for a jungle preserve along Colombia’s Magdalena River, where it will track species like jaguars, blue-beaked paujil birds, and spider monkeys to study deforestation’s effects and reforestation efforts.
Microsoft plans to expand Sparrow to continents like the Amazon and gorilla habitats in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by late 2025. The data will be shared with researchers through open-source platforms, with protections to prevent misuse, such as aiding poachers. A parallel effort in Washington state’s Cascade Mountains will monitor local forests, showing the system’s adaptability.
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Research Highlights AI’s Potential
A 2024 study in the journal Science by Dutch and Danish researchers noted that 28% of plant and animal species are at risk of extinction. It emphasized that machine-learning methods can process large datasets, like audio recordings, to detect animal patterns more quickly and affordably than traditional approaches. This supports ecological research critical for addressing habitat loss and climate change. However, challenges like ensuring device durability in harsh environments persist.
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Broader Implications
AI-based wildlife monitoring affects communities globally. Ecosystems with species like spider monkeys sustain clean water, air, and food supplies, benefiting daily life. In Costa Rica, ecotourism around Corcovado National Park supports jobs in hospitality and local crafts. Declining species could disrupt these economies, affecting workers and businesses.
On a broader scale, AI data can inform policies balancing development and conservation. Lawson’s work may prompt redesigned wildlife corridors, reducing conflicts in agricultural zones. Acoustic monitoring of whales could prevent ship collisions, stabilizing trade routes that deliver goods. These outcomes support public access to resources and economic stability.
Risks exist, however. Shared data, even with safeguards, could be vulnerable to misuse, potentially enabling illegal activities like poaching. Deploying and maintaining devices in remote areas involves costs and environmental impacts, which may draw on public funds or affect local ecosystems if not carefully managed.
Source: AP News
